You may have heard of the term, “Golden Elixir” or “Liquid gold” floating around on the holistic health web space. What that is referring to is none other than, bone broth – a flavorful and nutrient-rich liquid that has been around for centuries across various cultures. Whether you are dealing with gut issues or not, bone broth has a track record for being a nutritional superhouse, counteracting inflammation in the body, and has been in recipes for decades. In this post, I will explain what bone broth is, including its nutritional benefits, and leave you with a healing and simple recipe to create your own.
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a liquid made by simmering the bones, marrow, or ligaments of chicken, fish, or beef in a pot of water. This simmering causes the bones and ligaments to release healing compounds like collagen, proline, glycine, and glutamine that have the power to transform your health.
Collagen from bones and connective tissue breaks down into another protein called gelatin. It’s gelatin that contains important amino acids that support your joints in addition to digestive health. This is where the gut-healing powers of bone broth come to be.
Bone Broth Nutritional Benefits
Beyond being a gut-healing elixir, there are many more benefits to incorporating this drink into your eating regimen. Whether you are experiencing gut issues or not, there is a key benefit your body can take advantage of. Here are some notable benefits of the golden elixir:
Collagen: Bone broth is a rich source of collagen, a protein that forms the structural foundation for our skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Incorporating collagen into our diet can contribute to improved skin elasticity, joint health, and even gut function.
Helps you heal faster: The collagen found in this liquid gold is so abundant that it has the ability to wound healing and support joint health by supplying the body with gelatin (which breaks down into collagen). Of course, the more you consume nutrient-dense bone broth, the higher your chances of feeling better in your body.
Minerals: Bones are a natural reservoir of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Through the slow cooking process, these minerals seep into the broth, making it a mineral-rich potion that promotes strong bones and teeth.
Gut Health: The gelatin in bone broth, derived from collagen, is known to be gentle on the digestive system and may support a healthy gut lining. A balanced gut is essential for nutrient absorption, immune function, and even mental well-being.
The Versatility of Bone Broth
Beyond its impressive nutritional profile, the broth also shines due to its versatility in the kitchen. It serves as an excellent base for soups, stews, and sauces. You can also enjoy it on its own, or drink it as. a morning beverage. Its rich flavor adds depth to various dishes, enhancing both taste and nutritional value.
Creating Your Own Gut Healing Bone Broth
Making your own bone broth is a simple yet rewarding process. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- Grass-fed beef bones
- Water
- 1/2 white onion
- 5 garlic cloves
- Handful of thyme
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Place thawed-out bones on parchment paper and bake at 400 degrees for approx 30 minutes.
- Fill a pot with water until it covers the bones by about an inch and add onion, garlic, thyme, and salt.
- Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat (you can use this time to remove excess fat if desired) then reduce heat to low (until it’s a light simmer). Cover with the lid slightly ajar and cook for anywhere between 12 to 24 hours. Check on the pot periodically to mix contents together.
- When cooking time is up, strain the contents of the pot, and transfer the broth to mason jars for storing in the fridge or freezer. Drink and enjoy!
- Allow the broth to cool before storing it in airtight containers. You can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for several months.
Conclusion
As you’ve learned throughout this post, bone broth is more than just a culinary trend. From its collagen-rich composition to its potential to support candida overgrowth, gut health, and joint function, bone broth has earned its place as a superfood in the modern diet. Whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into a variety of dishes, bone broth offers a nourishing and flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. So, why not embrace this ancient elixir and unlock its many benefits for your health and well-being?
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